Article: Passengers quickly subdue threat; Gang-tackled: 'Half the plane got up' after man runs to cockpit

CHICAGO (AP) - Airline crews say that after the Sept. 11 hijackings they expect swift passenger action such as the surge that gang-tackled a man who broke into an American Airlines cockpit this week.

If heightened security at the gate breaks down, passengers are the last defense, said United Airlines pilot Herb Hunter, spokesman for the Air Line Pilots Association.

While some caution that it might be dangerous for passengers to get involved unless flight attendants are trained to oversee melees, the passengers on American Flight 1238 from Los Angeles to Chicago were grateful for the quick action Monday.

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